What do you expect in the next fifty years?

Advancements in technology are advancing rapidly, and over the next 50 years, health care will be transformed throughout the world, including the increased use of artificial intelligence and robotics. The trends also show that climate change, hunger and disease may affect how the sector changes. A study conducted by researchers at Mälardalen University (MDU) describes what the healthcare industry might look like in the future.

In the study, the researchers describe important trends and factors that are expected to influence the development of health and medical care over the next 50 years. The researchers based their conclusions on interviews with medical experts and extensive experience in the healthcare market.

Research shows that in the short term, in the next five to ten years, we are expected to see an increase in well-being technology in the industry, using artificial intelligence and robotics. Telemedicine, which includes telemedicine care, is also expected to increase, as well as value-based healthcare where hospitals are funded based on outcomes.

In the medium term, within 10 to 30 years, an increase in data-informed personalization in healthcare is expected. This type of medicine uses the patient’s personal data to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. Wearable devices are commonly used to improve the well-being of patients in cardiology, neurology, and diabetes, and are expected to have a significant impact on the development of this type of medical care.

“This type of patient-oriented healthcare represents a transition from traditional approaches to more innovative and personalized approaches,” says Ignat Kulkov, researcher and postdoctoral fellow at MDU.

In the long term, in 30-50 years, there will likely be an increase in antibiotic resistance, but also an improvement in the available antibiotics. Researchers also believe that technological developments and our increasing pace of life will lead to a greater number of cases of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders, for example.

In the medium and long term, health care is also likely to be affected by climate change, which in the worst case can lead to hunger, violence and an increased risk of disease. There is also a significant risk that the most vulnerable and poorest members of society will be the most affected by the impact of climate change.

The ability to adapt and respond to these unexpected situations will be critical to the future development of the healthcare industry.”

Ignat Colkov

Increasing sustainability contributes to development

The study also highlights that an increased focus on sustainability may contribute positively to the development of the healthcare industry. Sustainable medicine, with lower carbon emissions and greater use of recyclable materials in healthcare settings, is expected to become increasingly important and provide a competitive advantage. This could promote innovation, optimize resources and have a positive impact on development, according to Ignat Kulkov.

“We consider it critical for the healthcare sector and society to understand where medical care is heading, its trends and development prospects. Society must more accurately acknowledge and forecast the capabilities and resources required to implement new approaches to the delivery of medical care. We believe that the industry is a key stakeholder , such as physicians, patients and policy makers, as well as supplier companies, insurers and universities, will create demand for these results. The study can serve as a basis for creating a more adaptable and sustainable health and medical care system of the future,” says Ignat Kolkoff.

Key trends and factors

The important trends and factors that are expected to influence the development of health and medical care during the next fifty years according to the researchers are:

• Welfare technology will impact the industry in the short term, with artificial intelligence, robotics and telemedicine.
• More effective treatments through personalized and patient-directed care will have an impact in the short and medium term.
• Climate change, unexpected factors and global threats, such as epidemics and wars, are factors that may have an impact in the medium and long term.
• An increasing focus on sustainability, with more environmentally friendly methods and less impact on the climate, is an important factor for development.